Chapter 9


The trip to the hospital was agonizingly long. Megan, Duke, Megan, Kevin Jr all kept rolling through his mind. God was so cruel. Cord had sounded shaky on the phone admitting they only knew both young men were in the car and Bo had found Cord and Cassie telling them they had to come with him right away. Clint knew his brother wouldn’t be alarming them like that if there wasn’t a reason for it.

Dorian sat quietly lost in her own thoughts during the hellacious drive to the hospital. She held her phone carefully in her lap in case Cassie called. She kept going back to the loss of William and the threat of losing River and what it had done to her first born. River was truly her whole life. Losing him would be something his mother could not possibly bear.

As they walked in from the parking lot Clint pulled her close. He said nothing nor did she wondering if they’d go home worried or bereaved grandparents. The thought terrified her. The doors opened and they looked around at the assorted people waiting in triage. Dorian noted it looked typical. Not busy, not too quiet. She knew if the boys’ injuries were severe they’d be back receiving treatment. They were stopped at the security door.

“But we’re here for our Grandsons River Carpenter and CJ Buchanan.” She asserted.

“No one is allowed back there Dr. Lord especially family. Now you know….”

“Mother!” Cassie interrupted them and came through the side door practically throwing her coffee at Bo who was walking with her. “Thank God you’re here. Tell them to let me go back.”

Dorian pulled her daughter close and felt her shaking. “Jake, this is River’s Mother why can’t she be near?”

“They’re prepping him for surgery Mrs. Carpenter. I’ve explained this. We’ll give you a moment as soon as possible, time really is important.”

“I want to know the extent of his injuries.” Dorian demanded.

“Uh Dorian,” Bo spoke up. “Why don’t you all come over here we’ve got a waiting area and Cassie and I can tell you what we know.”

Clint was looking urgently at his brother and stayed back to grab him. Bo realized this and whispered quietly, “CJ’s banged up—but he should be fine. Cord’s with him.” Clint sighed and turned his attention to Dorian who was settling Cassie and looking up to him searchingly.

“Clint?” She asked knowing Bo was speaking to him.

“Cord’s with CJ, he’s alright.” Clint informed her and took a seat on the other side of Cassie.

She smiled at him. “I’m sorry I should have told you. I was just so glad to see Mother.”

“Honey its fine. Your Mom’s here and we won’t leave you or River.” He kissed her forehead looking at his brother who pulled up a chair and leaned in to talk quietly.

“Dorian I’m thinking we should call Andrew.” Bo said as he handed Cassie back her coffee and Dorian immediately felt terror well up in her heart.

“Do you really think that’s necessary? Bo I mean we’re all here with him.” She stroked Cassie’s hair and noted that she continued to look away from her.

“They were hit T-bone by a truck that blew through a red light at almost 50 miles an hour.” Bo informed her. “They rolled a few times and came to rest across the street. It was bad.”

Cassie looked away but Clint caught her gaze and squeezed her hand. “Bo’s right. His Dad will want you to call.” Cassie shook her head and leaned into her Mother for comfort. Dorian reached into her purse and took out her cell phone handing it to Clint. “Will you?”

He took the phone and went outside to make the difficult call. Bo stayed with the women and Dorian’s mind began racing as Cassie stayed silently tucked into her arms.

“Bo, I was wondering if you could call some more of the family.” She sighed and looked at him seriously. “I wouldn’t want them to find out from someone else isn’t that right Cassie?”

“Oh God I think they were meeting the girls somewhere.” Cassie stated absently. “I mean Sarah and Adrianna even the little kids they were going to that…fundraiser with the barbeque.”

“The Rib-off, I’ll find them, it will be alright Cassie. You just sit tight with Dorian and I’ll go find big brother and we’ll call everybody.” He got up and went to locate Clint.

Dorian leaned back in the chair as Cassie began to cry softly. “I told him he was a spoiled brat for taking the convertible. That’s the last thing I said to my son.”

“It won’t be the last thing you say to him Cassie.” Dorian forced her to make eye contact. “Do you hear me? It WILL NOT be the last thing you say to him.”

Her daughter half smiled and snuggled further into her Mother’s arms almost childlike in her need for comfort. “I’m so glad you came.”

“He’s a Cramer, Cassie. He’s strong. Don’t lose faith in him.” She instructed her daughter.

“I won’t,” She promised and fished for some Kleenex while making an attempt at sitting upright.






Blair arrived with her children, Adrianna and Sarah in tow. Clint held on to his granddaughter and reassured her that her brother would be fine. They explained River’s surgery to the Cramer’s and escorted them to the waiting room. Dorian informed Clint of CJ’s room and he and Sarah went to see him. Blair held tight to Cassie as Adrianna and Starr took time to discuss the accident with Dorian. They were frightened by what their Mother and Aunt told them but true to Cramer fashion they were not about to let Cassie know.

Clint and Sarah walked hand and hand to CJ’s room. Jessica called on their way up and he reassured her that she could stay with Bree and come the next day. Natalie was in the hallway with Joey they were trying to locate CJ also.

“1354” Clint said simply and they headed to see him.

Cord was sitting quietly by his son’s bed and gave a tired smile when he saw his family enter the room. Clint approached him first leaning over the bed and speaking softly to CJ. He mumbled a reply that made no sense and Clint was immediately relieved. Cord held tight to Sarah and explained that CJ while injured seriously would indeed recover just fine.

“And the ribs are giving him a lot of pain but the lungs are untouched. Michael said he sounds great.” Cord smiled and pointed to his son’s leg. “They put a pin in his leg and just like the hand it should heal fine.”

CJ looked bruised and miserable mumbling again remaining blissfully unaware of his audience. “He’ll probably sleep till tomorrow.” Cord informed them. “And then he’ll keep the drip for a few days I expect he won’t be much company.”

“That’s fine,” Clint took the chair. “We don’t care.”

Joey grinned at his big brother. “Yeah I kind of like him better this way.” Natalie smacked him and Sarah went to sit with her grandpa and inspect CJ now that the shock had worn off.

“Eww his eye looks sore.” She began picking at bandages and was batted away by her grandfather.

“Have a heart girl. He needs to rest.” Clint pulled her back to him and she rested on the arm of his chair.

“Hey how’s River doing?” Cord asked no one in particular.

Joey and Natalie shrugged as did Sarah. Clint replied. “He’s in surgery son. You might want to go on down and spend some time with Cassie.”

Cord agreed and asked, “You’ll stay?”

“Of course,” Clint replied.

Sarah burst into tears. “I want to go to Dad.”

Cord pulled her tight and held her. “I know all about you two. It’s alright honey.”

“I was so worried about Ceeg I didn’t even stop to ask.” She took a tissue offered by Natalie. “Come on I’ll go too.”

“Why don’t you all.” Clint instructed, “My grandson needs his rest you go see if Cassie needs anything and worry downstairs.”

Joey followed his brother and Sarah and Natalie stopped off to kiss her father on the way out the door. “It’ll all be okay Dad. I’ll check on Dorian for you.”

“Natalie she won’t want to leave Cassie but see if you can’t get her to drink some coffee or something. We’ve already been here a couple of hours and I don’t think she’s left that damn room.” He instructed her. “And if she seems…uh forget it you won’t be able to tell.”

Natalie raised an eyebrow. “As a matter of fact every now and again I can figure her out and if she seems particularly upset I’ll come up and relieve you.”

“Thanks honey,” her father smiled. “I just want to spend a little time with him.”

“I can’t blame you,” she left to go on her errand.






The surgical nurse had left after informing the assembled Cramer’s that River was holding up but they surgery was delicate and his lung had collapsed. Dorian explained the ins and outs and how they would stabilize him tonight and figure the rest out in time.

“He’ll be in ICU for some time,” she held her daughter’s hand. “They’ll observe everything and give him the best of care.”

Cassie looked around and saw Andrew enter the room. “Hey,” was all he managed. He embraced Cassie and burst into tears. Cord had met him just outside and confirmed the information his father had given him earlier. He was bereft and did not need to hear anymore. Dorian noted that somehow Cassie seemed stronger because of Andrew’s breakdown as she comforted him repeating the things she herself had said to Cassie throughout the evening.

Cord left the room again this time to do damage control.

“Where is my son?” Tina said nearing hysteria at the scene she observed.

“Calm down girl, he’s upstairs.” Cord reassured her and gave her a hug. “He’s okay,” he spoke softly. “He’s okay but River isn’t. Do you understand?”

Tina calmed and took the hint. She walked over and asked Sarah if she wanted to come upstairs with her. Sarah feeling out of place agreed and went with her Mother upstairs. Cord then noticed Viki standing in the hallway with Kevin and Kelly. He explained everything to them and Viki continued staring at Andrew. It didn’t register to Cord at the time. Natalie assured Dorian that her father would be down shortly.

“You know he’ll be happy to leave once Tina gets up there.” Natalie smiled at her step mother.

Dorian thanked her and noticed Viki staring at Andrew and Cassie. She immediately grew defensive until Viki spoke up.

“I know him.” She said. “I know him,” Pointing to Andrew.

Dorian walked over to her. “Yes you do. He’s Sloan Carpenter’s son.” Natalie joined in and looked at her Mother with concern.

“Mom do you want me to get Kevin to take you home?”

“River Carpenter,” she seemed to be trying to place his name.

“Sloan’s grandson, Rev. Andrew Carpenter’s son, My Cassie’s son, MY GRANDSON,” Dorian informed her and Viki went over and sat down not speaking.

“Natalie you should stay with your Mother.” Dorian told her and went back to Cassie and Andrew. Andrew had what seemed like a hundred questions and Clint appeared halfway throughout the questioning sitting next to Dorian and prompting her to drink which she did knowing her refusal would just cause him to hover more. They fell silent and Cord and Andrew began to talk as did Cassie and Blair. Dorian remembered and asked Clint.

“Did you notice Viki out there?”

“Huh? Viki? What would she be…oh yeah, uh no.” Clint seemed confused.

“Clint she was right outside in the hallway.” Dorian told him.

“Well excuse me. I came down here to be with you and wait for news on River.” He seemed almost in a huff but ended it quietly and threw an arm around her for emphasis. “I’ll worry about Viki or anybody else when we know about Riv.”

Dorian smiled, “CJ?”

“Drugged out of his mind,” his grandfather replied ruefully. “Which is good he’s banged up but good. Thanks for asking.”

“No I should have gone up with you to see about him and his care, I …” Dorian apologized.

“You do realize that’s ridiculous don’t you?” Clint smiled at her. “You belong here with Cassie. We all do. Now Cord’s got CJ settled he’ll need us all as he recovers but tonight his Mama is up there.” Clint looked thoughtful. “Poor kid he can’t talk and tell her to go home.”

Dorian smiled and laughed lightly. “While you are rotten for saying that, I agree he’s probably suffering from her tender loving care.” She leaned into his arms and they sat back waiting on word.






Finally Michael McBain appeared and his scrubs were showing the sweat that bespoke the effort he’d given River.

“Cassie?” he called as he came into the room.

“Yes,” she stood up and reached over to take Andrew’s arm. “Have you met River’s Dad? Reverend Andrew Carpenter?”

“I think maybe,” Michael shook his hand. “I’m sorry this time isn’t under happier circumstances.”

They all grew quiet. “Your son made it through the surgery.” Dorian didn’t like the sound of it but listened quietly as Clint seemed to tighten his grip on her shoulders. “His pulse is strong and so are his vitals. We had to perform a splenectomy. He tolerated it well.”

“Okay what’s that?” Andrew interrupted him.

“There was too much damage to the spleen. We had to remove it. The internal bleeding seems to have lessened which is a very good sign.” Michael explained.

Dorian closed her eyes. It was not sounding good. “Michael what’s next?”

“Well he’ll stay on the respirator until he regains consciousness. But there is some swelling in the brain. We’ve got both lungs pumping with assistance. We’re monitoring him and as he stabilizes we’ll basically just work with him as he can tolerate it.”

“But what about his other injuries?” Cassie asked.

Michael held up his hands. “I wish I could give you answers but right now he’s stable, he’s in ICU and he will be for some time. He’s unconscious and really there’s nothing more any of you can do. If the bleeding returns or gets any heavier I have to go back in,” then he looked to Dorian and half smiled apologetically. “I mean to operate, same with the swelling of the brain. But right now he’s as good as we can hope for…” Michael took Cassie’s hands in his and looked at her sincerely. “He’s already exceeded my expectations. At this moment we have every reason to be optimistic.”

He looked to Dorian. “He’s young and strong you know that helps a lot.” Ask your Mom.

Dorian agreed looking at Andrew. “He’s right that’s a big advantage for River.”

Andrew thanked Michael for his hard work and left to go make a few calls.

Dorian explained to Cassie and the rest that there was an ICU waiting room that would be more comfortable as there were couches and comfort items. Cassie looked around. “You know you can all go. Cord, Andrew, Tina and I will be here all night I’m sure.”

“Forget it Cassie we aren’t leaving you here,” Blair told her. “You need us.”

Dorian agreed and smiled at her niece.

“I will need you all to help me and correct me if I’m wrong Mother; but Michael just told us that it’s going to be a long time till we know if River will live and even longer until he comes home is that right?” Cassie asked her.

Dorian was shocked at her daughter’s strength. “Yes, in a nutshell that’s exactly what he told you.”

“Well then, you all please go home. Cord won’t leave me, neither will Andrew. And Tina and Cord won’t leave CJ and we’ll all be fine.” She looked at Clint. “Sarah really should go get some sleep.” Clint looked at her and shook his head.

He told Dorian he’d go up and say goodnight to his grandson and retrieve Sarah. Cord went with him and Bo sat to wait for Andrew’s return. Dorian reminded Cassie to call her and asked what she wanted brought to the hospital the next morning.

“Dorian you just come whenever.” Blair grew bossy, “At least I can bring her some essentials.”

“Thank you darling.” Dorian kissed her girls and left Blair and Bo with Cassie as it seemed Blair was not going to do as asked. Starr and Adrianna seemed almost happy to leave with Dorian they met Clint and Sarah in the hallway and headed home. Viki and Natalie were not in the hallway and the subject was forgotten as they drove home quietly and went about attempting sleep.

Great read, Val! I am worried about River, though. It's a wonderful thing to read this and envision the families (Bukes, Cramers) pulling together in the crisis. And loved Clint at Dorian's side all concerned about her and reassuring her that she was his priority. Also, loved Dorian putting Viki in her place. Yeah, you added all the right touches for me. image22.jpg

Another great chapter Val. Is the "Rib-off" something you have in your area? We have an annual Rib Fest.

A version of it yeah. I think most communities do some food stuffs as warm weather approaches for charity so it just seemed like a fun community event. I wish they still did events where we saw Cast Integration. I used to just love that stuff!